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We all know what happened during the Montreal Canadiens 100th season in 2008-09. From the drama both on and off the ice up until the season ended on a sour note when their arch-nemesis the Boston Bruins swept them in the first round. With the housecleaning project during the offseason, it is now time for the Habs to put the Centennial Drama aside.
The first order of business at the Bell ...
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The Florida Panthers have not made the playoffs since 2000, and while they were in the playoff race during the last week of the 2008-09 season, don’t expect head coach Peter DeBorer and company to have similar results in 2009-10.
While it is true that the Panthers have a lot of young and up-in-coming talent on the roster, particularly at forward, they’re still going to be hit hard at defense, with ...
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A few years removed from a Stanley Cup appearance, the Edmonton Oilers have done nothing much since, missing the playoffs in each of the last three seasons. Needless to say, it was time for some housecleaning for the upcoming season.
The first order of business was in the management department. On May 26, the Oilers named two-time Jack Adams award winner Pat Quinn as their head coach.
An ex-Memorial Cup dual champion ...
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After two straight Stanley Cup Finals appearances in 2008 and 2009, with one victory in 2008, how can one think the Detroit Red Wings are worse? Well there are a few answers to that.
With a tight salary cap situation, the Wings did not make very many additions to their roster. Veteran forward Todd Bertuzzi was the most notable free agent signing and Patrick Eaves and Jason Williams were minor additions.
Even ...
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Plagued by injuries and the presence of Mr. Sloppy Seconds—I mean Sean Avery—the Dallas Stars finished in 12th place in the Western Conference in 2008-09.
Good news for Stars fans is Avery is no longer in the Lone Star state, and if the injuries don’t pile up again, Marty Turco and company will be playoff bound in 2009-10.
There was a bit of good news for Stars fans in Big D last ...
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Despite being swept by the eventual Western Conference Champion Detroit Red Wings, the Columbus Blue Jackets made their first playoff appearance in team history. That alone is a notable accomplishment.
Under head coach Ken Hitchcock, many Blue Jackets had career years in 2008-09, and more importantly, they should be set in goal with last year’s Calder Trophy Winner, Steve Mason.
In 61 games, the then 20-year-old goaltender had a year that any ...
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Once a dominant franchise, the Colorado Avalanche have taken a step back in the post-lockout era. Granted, the team has seen their share of injuries, but the Avs have also seen their fare share of departures as well.
Joe Sakic, the team’s leader since they were located in Quebec, has retired after 20 seasons with the organization. While it was time for Sakic to hang up the skates, he was certainly ...